Royal Cromer Golf Club History
Royal Cromer Golf Club owes its existence to the enthusiasm and love of the game of a Mr. Henry Broadhurst M.P., a Scot who lived at 19, Buckingham Street, The Strand, London.
In the 1880's, whilst holidaying in Cromer, he recognised the potential of land to the seaward of the Lighthouse as a possible site for a Links Course.
The popularity of North Norfolk at this time had been noted in the London City Press in a report dated 5th September 1886: "The public are greatly indebted to railway enterprise for the opening up of the East Coast. More bracing air and delightful sands are not to be found in any part of England. The only drawback is that the country is rather flat. This remark, however, does not apply to Cromer, which bids fair to become the most popular watering place, it being entirely free from objectionable features".
The site of the proposed golf course was owned by the then Lord Suffield KCB, who kindly consented to the request of Broadhurst and some twenty other enthusiasts to rent the land.
The Club was instituted in the Autumn of 1887 with Lord Suffield as President.
Doubtless it was his friendship and influence with the Prince of Wales which precipitated the Prince's gracious patronage of the infant club on 25th December 1887.
Thus Cromer had a Royal Golf Club even before its official opening the following January.
There are only 37 Royal Clubs in the British Isles, 18 of which are in England.
Norfolk's Royal Clubs, Cromer, Norwich and West Norfolk were accorded that status in 1888, 1893 and 1891 respectively.
The original nine holes were laid out by Mr. Broadhurst assisted by Mr. George Fernie of the Great Yarmouth Club.
Unfortunately no record exists in plan form, although from descriptions in the golfing annuals of the time and close examination of the ground, a fair assessment of the layout is possible.
The site of the 1st tee can still be seen below the lighthouse in Happy Valley.
The formal opening of the Club was on 2nd January 1888, the first ball struck from the tee by Benjamin Bond Cabbell.
There were some ten or more scores recorded of this auspicious opening round, the best a 104 by a Mr. J. Robertson. Considering the course was confined to the most hilly parts, abounding in gorse and bracken with many pitfalls, that score would appear more than respectable with the then available equipment and bearing in mind the weather associated with North Norfolk at that time of the year.
Membership records of 1888 tell us of some 78 members whose annual subscription was one guinea, (£1.05p).
Lady members numbered 12 and although Cromer is only the second oldest club in Norfolk it may well have the honour of being the oldest in having a Ladies Section at inception.
The list of founding members makes interesting reading. Besides the Prince as Patron, there were the Earls of Fife and Rosebery, three Barons (Suffield, Cromer and Carrington), a bevy of Knights, several MPs and a good many of the local landed gentry.
Interestingly, only 35 were residents of Cromer, others coming from Norwich, Dereham, London and as far away as Brighton, Newcastle and even Edinburgh.
The first captain of the Club was Rev. H. C. Rogers who graciously presented 7 silver medals for competitions held during his tenure of captaincy. He was clever enough to win the only medal to be retained by its winner.
A number of notable figures played golf at Cromer in the early years.
Four Royals played.
The Prince of Wales apparently did not play, although the Princess, later Queen Alexandra did, as did the Prince's brother, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught.
The Duchess also played as did the Princess Victoria.
Political figures included H.H. Asquith when Prime Minister and Arthur Balfour, a very keen golfer who did much to popularise the game.
James Barrie from the literary world and Alfred Lord Tennyson also played.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle apparently wrote "The Hound of the Baskervilles" whilst staying nearby. He also played the course.
How different the game was in those days.
The equipment was rudimentary, to say the least.
The fairways and greens, even when cleared of sheep must have left a lot to be desired.
It was not until August 1888 that one A.C. Jarvis had the illustrious honour of completing the nine holes twice with a score under 100.
Subsequently he was listed as a scratch golfer.
These then were the first faltering steps of the infant Club, much depending upon the occasional appearances of its rich and aristocratic members.
They used the Club for the odd sortie into the turf and bracken of the lighthouse hills.
Tragically the first minute book covering meetings of the first committee was lost in the 1900's. However, minute book 2 resides at the clubhouse and gives invaluable documentation from 1891 onwards.
Very early photographs of the clubhouse portray one or two huts rather similar to bathing machines at the first tee.
Later in 1890, a butchers shop constructed of wood and corrugated iron - which belonged to Mr. Robert Le Neve - was purchased. It was demolished and transported from its original site in Hamilton Road, converted and re-constructed beneath the lighthouse at the bottom of Happy Valley. Quite where the somewhat oriental architecture of the building originated is obscure, but it certainly made a unique home for the Club. In 1892 the clubhouse was extended to include room for a snooker table and extra WC's by local builder A. H. Fox, for the sum of £35.
ORIGINAL CLUBHOUSE
In October 1891 no less a personage than old Tom Morris surveyed the course by invitation of the committee. The alterations he advised would, in his view, make Royal Cromer the finest 9 golf course in the country. He also encouraged the club to be prepared to extend the course to 18 holes in due course.
The influence of the club's membership in 1890 was considerable, for not only did the Great Eastern Railway offer return tickets at single fare prices to gentlemen of Royal Cromer Golf Club, a special station called "Links Halt" was constructed to serve the Club. This station was on the Mundesley to Cromer Beach line and was situated on the inland side of the land once used as the practice ground.
No golfer played without a caddie in those days, and Cromer had the luxury of having both first and second class caddies. First class caddies were generally men who had a rudimentary idea of the game and a good knowledge of the course and as a consequence, received no less than 6d (2.5p) a round whereas boys were second class caddies, receiving 3d per round.
In 1892 Oscar Wilde - who stayed in the area to write "Women of No Importance" - played golf with Lord Alfred Douglas Wilde and found Cromer excellent for writing and golf even better.
The same year, 1892, was quite eventful, the club adopting the "Rules of Golf" as laid down by St. Andrews.
From January 1892 to June 1914 a record of all mens competitions was kept in an inscribed ledger, every result written in beautiful copperplate script.
Royal Cromer's first professional was W. Aveston , appointed February 1892 with a weekly wage of 10/- (50p). He was allowed to charge 2/- for a 9 hole lesson and 3/- for 18 holes. He had previously been a member of the Club and served as a professional until July 1906.
A small course was laid out in the spring of 1892 on ground rented for future course extensions. The area was that occupied by our present 1st and 18th holes. This was called the "Lady Links" and was reserved exclusively for lady members in order to relieve congestion on the course. In 1895 the committee received a complaint that the rules of golf were being disregarded by players on the "Lady Links". As there had also been complaints about the condition of this course, a sub-committee was formed, which duly reported various recommendations.
A senior caddie was appointed "to be responsible for the preservation of order on the links", he being supplied with the names of those entitled to play. He was also allowed to instruct at a fee of 1s.6d. per 18 holes. (By this time a caddie was paid 1/- per round if his name was on the caddie master's list). No men were allowed to play on the "Lady Links" during August and September, except in after tea foursomes and they were not allowed to use wooden clubs or cleeks. No children under 12 would be allowed to play.
IN THE RED
The success of the early and mid-nineties, financially speaking at any rate, was not to last. The AGM of 1897, the year of the Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, received the unwelcome news that the Club was in the red to the tune of £300. Some of this was due to capital outlay in the form of a Ladies Clubhouse and also renting more land. But another cause accounted for the greater part of the deficit. As now, a constant source of worry was the frequency of cliff falls, caused it was thought, by the continual erosion by the sea at the base of the cliffs. The recommended cure at that time was the erection of groynes to hold up the beach. A scheme was hatched in the late nineties for the defence of the "Lighthouse Hills" and it was proposed to obtain the services of the civil engineer Edward Case, who had considerable expertise in this field. Case duly reported with a scheme for building a number of short timber groynes of an economical type which he had himself developed. It was proposed the scheme would be financed by Lord Suffield and a few other subscribers, of whom the golf club would be one. The club's contribution to be £300, one fifth of the total. It was unfortunate that the committee, in agreeing with the proposals, had not sought the approval of club members, resulting in considerable ill feeling.
Matters came to a head at the AGM of 1899. At this very stormy meeting a motion of censure was brought against the committee by Mr. Broadhurst, who refused to withdraw it when asked by the Chairman. The motion was defeated by a narrow majority, but with feelings running so high the committee felt compelled to resign. The incoming Captain and Officers declined to accept office. The meeting was finally adjourned.
A few members of long standing were elected as a caretaker committee and after much "wheeling and dealing" behind the scenes and some acrimonious correspondence, the adjourned meeting was reconvened a few weeks later amid promises of greater involvement of the members. At this meeting the officers and committee were unanimously re-elected.
In 1901 temporary one-day memberships (green fees) were allowed for the first time, on payment of 2/6d (12.5p). This was not, however, permitted in August and September, during which months the course was reserved exclusively for the use of members and guests. By 1904 the financial position had improved so much that the Treasurer was able to deposit the magnificent sum of £500 with Barclays bank.
It is interesting to note that much scientific work has been done on the erosion of these cliffs since the turn of the century. While, as in many other fields, experts differ, it is now widely held that, owing to the unusual and complex geology of this coast, ground water within the cliffs is a major factor in causing land slips. This was indeed noted as long ago as 1829. A study in considerable depth was carried out in 1963, under the aegis of the department of Scientific and Industrial Research, following a large slip which carried away part of the then 17th fairway. The study concluded that the "Case Groynes " had helped to prevent slipping by about 25 years, by which time they had largely been destroyed.
The Coronation of 1902 of Edward V11 was marked with great joy, and "entertainment" was provided for the caddies, each one also receiving 1/- (5p) from club funds.
THE BRITISH LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP
In the year 1905, the Ladies' British Open Championship was held at Cromer, by invitation of the committee, the competitors and LGU officers being made honorary members for the occasion.
A strong team of lady golfers came over from the United States for the event, including the sisters Margaret and Harriet Curtis. In the final, Miss Bertha Thompson (Beverley and East Riding) played Miss M. E. Stuart (Royal Portrush). Miss Stuart was bunkered at the 16th and failed to get out after four shots, resulting in a win for Miss Thompson by 3 and 2.
The championship was preceded by three days of formal international matches involving the ladies of England, Scotland, Irelandand the United States. It was after these matches that the Curtis sisters first offered to present a cup for future ladies internationals, although circumstances prevented acceptance of the offer until many years later. A full account of this meeting is given in the separate chapter entitled "The Ladies Showed the Way at Cromer".
The 1905 minutes also noted the caddie-master would be reimbursed by the club for competitors who failed to pay their caddies and the same year a Mr. Callow was paid £10 to remove his sheep from the course, and not to let them return for a year.
In 1906 the club, to the intense disgust of all concerned, received a demand for payment of income tax in the sum of £2. However, strong letters to the inspector from some influential members caused the demand to be withdrawn. Ah! happy days!
July of that year saw the retirement, sadly through ill health, of the club professional Willy Aveston . His successor was W. J. Rush, with a starting salary of £40 per annum.
Later in 1906 selected Cromer residents of good character were allowed to play as short-term members for the winter months. These worthies had to be duly proposed, seconded and vetted and pay £1 for their membership. This was a fund raising effort thinly disguised as a gesture of good will to the town, as the club was now finding the membership too small to support the facilities offered. The very next year an overdraft was sought and economising became the order of the day. The Green Staff were reduced and the Assistant Professional laid off. The landlord, Lord Suffield, was informed the club could not afford the proposed rent. Rabbit killing rights were sold to the highest bidder.
In June 1907 a letter was sent to Rear Admiral G. A. Callaghan, C.B. of H.M.S. Leviathan stating the club was pleased to offer honorary membership to the officers of the "Fifth Cruiser Squadron" for the duration of their stay off Cromer. This set a precedent for many naval visits following their warm welcome at the club.
A scheme to pipe water to the greens was planned in the autumn of 1907 and although members were asked to subscribe, they raised only £200 of the £280 required. The work was put in hand. The Secretary requested permission to destroy many of the club's records and accumulated correspondence. Unfortunately for this record, the request was granted.
The AGM of 1908 shows the club made only £19 profit for the previous year, mainly due to Lord Suffield waiving £100 rent.
1909 saw the committee vote against the staging of the English Amateur Championship at Royal Cromer Golf Club, if it where to be managed by a committee from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St. Andrews.
The summers of the early 1900's were a busy time for the club. Many green fee payers wished to play and extra caddies and green keepers were employed on a temporary basis. Such was the crush at the first tee that in 1908 the caddie master was instructed to maintain a daily starting time sheet, ensuring every fourth time be reserved for members only.
The standard scratch score was slowly decreased. By 1908 it was fixed at 77.
Canon Lyttleton, a member with concern for the education of the workers, offered to start a free lending library for the caddies to further their knowledge of the game. The offer was accepted, but no records exist of how well it fared.
SUNDAY GOLF
In the beginning, true to its Victorian origins, the rules of the club forbade golf to be played on the Sabbath. But by the early years of this century some members were beginning to find this restriction irksome and in 1907 a move was afoot to have the rule rescinded. This met strong opposition, both within the club and among local residents. A public meeting was called by the Cromer Ratepayers Association, which presented a petition to which the Vicar of Cromer added his voice. The matter was raised at that year's AGM where an amendment proposed a poll be taken of the members, which was carried. The poll came down heavily against Sunday golf and at the adjourned meeting the motion was defeated by a large majority. The question was raised again four years later, still failing to gain the necessary support. The resolution allowing Sunday play was finally passed in 1912, with a handsome majority and apparently little protest.
DEATH OF KING EDWARD
In May 1910, King Edward V11 died and the club went into mourning. As was fitting, the course and clubhouse closed for the day of the funeral and a letter of condolence was sent to Lord Suffield, to be conveyed to King George V. This was graciously acknowledged in due course. After a decent interval Lord Suffield was asked to approach the new King on the subject of his patronage, which was granted.
THE NEW COURSE
The year 1911 saw the beginning of plans for an extensive re-modelling of the links, following which it was to become substantially the course many present members knew before the most recent alterations completed in 1979. Advice was sought from H. S. Colt of Sunningdale as to the alterations to be made. Before his scheme could be carried out, however, lengthy and difficult negotiations had to be undertaken in order to obtain the necessary land. The club felt unable to pay the rent asked, and the committee, with the assent of the members called to a special general meeting, went so far as to give notice of termination of the lease in the hope of obtaining better terms. This apparently caused consternation among some of the more pessimistic members: perhaps they had a vision of their golf club disappearing in a cloud of dust! This hurdle was finally surmounted and the club obtained security of tenure with a 21 year lease.
The next problem was, of course finance. The amount of work needed would be prodigious, for not only were new holes to be constructed and others substantially altered, the clubhouse was also to be removed from its home in Happy Valley. A new clubhouse would be built on a site near the Roman Catholic Church on Overstrand Road, giving much easier access. Altogether the committee estimated £2000 would need to be raised, which they proposed to do by means of a debenture issue. An appeal was sent to all members to support the scheme. Debentures were to be issued in units of £10 in order that as many members as possible could participate. As an encouragement life membership was offered to any member subscribing £100. In the event the issue was oversubscribed by some £270; but it was still decided to limit it to £2000, as originally intended. As most subscribers offered sums of £100, the issue was made in units of that amount and those subscribers were duly elected life members.
J.H. Taylor was called in to advise on the work of laying out the new course which was carried out during the autumn and winter of 1912-1913.
In order to give members somewhere to play whilst work progressed, a temporary nine hole course was arranged using some of the existing holes.
By March 1913 the new course was so well advanced; it opened for play on the 17th of that month.
The building of the new clubhouse was under the supervision of G.B. Carvill, a member, acting in an honorarycapacity. The walls of the building were to be carried out in Hy-Rib steel with stucco cladding, the roof to be of red tile. The interior character and decoration of the old clubhouse were to be retained as far as possible, old woodwork to be utilised where practicable.
It had been intended to site the clubhouse behind the Roman Catholic Church, presumably in the neighbourhood of the present first tee. J. H. Taylor on being shown the intended site, felt it would be too close to the home green. It was then decided to build on the higher ground across the roadway leading to the lighthouse, where the present clubhouse still stands.
The rebuilding work was sufficiently far advanced for a committee meeting on the new premises towards the end of February 1913. It would appear pilfering may have been a problem, a resolution was passed to appoint a night watchman. The Roman Catholic priest, Father Squirrel, was elected an honorary member, perhaps to forestall any complaints concerning golf balls sliced into the Presbytery garden.
J. H. Taylor returned that autumn to inspect the new course. He made various suggestions as to the placing of bunkers and tees, but appeared satisfied with the work.
The following year the site of the old clubhouse, with Happy Valley was sub-let to Cromer Urban District Council for public recreation. It was let only on a yearly basis in case the club should need it again; this it never did and Happy Valley has been let to the town ever since.
A large, and in our climate, much needed shelter stood on the old clubhouse site until 2003, when it was taken down following continued vandalism.
During the summer of 1914 the Beginners' Field was lent to a Mr. Simpson of the
Daily Mail "for the purpose of aeroplane flight". The committee insisted on indemnification for any damage, which they thought would most likely result from the public trespassing on the golf course.
THE GREAT WAR
August 1914, brought the outbreak of war against Germany. It was immediately realised financial difficulties would result for the club, which was still heavily indebted to the bank. The debenture issue had not been sufficient to cover the cost of the new course and clubhouse and it had been necessary to raise a large additional loan.
Many economies were proposed, the most important being the reduction of the course to nine holes which would enable some of the staff to be laid off. The debenture holders were asked to waive their interest to which all agreed and the new Lord Suffield agreed to a reduction in rent. (The fifth Baron, the Founder President, had died earlier that year.) The Secretary offered to reduce his salary to £100; later he waived it altogether. The club was, however, able to do its patriotic duty by contributing £75 to the Prince of Wales National Relief Fund.
A considerable number of members resigned owing to war service and quarterly meetings and monthly medals were suspended for the duration. The consequent loss of subscriptions and green fees served to aggravate the financial position, which remained at a low ebb throughout the war. Indeed, in September 1915 the outlook was so bleak that a special general meeting was held to consider whether the club should be wound up, the only time in its long history that such a drastic step had to be contemplated. At this meeting, E. M. Hansell from the chair explained debts were expected to amount to £2100 by the end of the year. Should the club be wound up, this would have to be repaid and as only £1600 was covered by guarantees, £500 would still have to be found. He felt that if the club were wound up, any new club formed would have little chance of success. He thought many of the old members would not rejoin and in the interim period the course would deteriorate. There would be a grave danger of the monies spent on reconstruction being wasted. On the other hand, with money given or promised by a few members in response to an appeal which hopefully would be increased by members yet to respond, the committee felt it would be possible to carry on for at least two years. He felt this to be the only course open to them. The meeting finally unanimously resolved to carry on with the club, whilst spending as little as possible consistent with preventing the course from deteriorating to its original condition ..
In 1917 the committee was approached by the Norfolk War Agricultural Committee, who wished to have part of the course ploughed up for cereals. This was at first resisted, arguing it would be against the best interests of the town of Cromer.They agreed, however, to take a hay crop off part of the links, which would, of course, have prevented play on that area for some months. Early the following year, some 13 acres at the Overstrand end of the course came under the plough. This must have eased the burden of the green staff, by now reduced to two.
Also in 1918, The War Agricultural Committee took over and ploughed up the practice course. This had been in use by the military authorities who demanded other land in its place.
The honorary secretary, W. Kerr, was deputed to meet the military with a view to persuading them to take land near the cliff edge.
Unfortunately the minutes do not record whether he was successful.
BETWEEN THE WARS
With the end of the war the financial position of the club remained difficult and at the beginning of 1919 still heavily in debt. In spite of this it was decided not to raise the subscription for the time being. Lord Suffield was still remarkably generous over the rent owing him, but let it be known this could not continue indefinitely. A new secretary, Major Wellesley, was appointed without promise of any salary for the first year, though he later received a gratuity of £100. The following year it was considered advisable to raise the subscription to three guineas, which was agreed at the annual general meeting at Whitsun. As members had already paid subscriptions for that year, they were asked, "as an act of grace" to pay the difference.
It would seem the club's plight was noted in high places, for in March 1920 the secretary reported a gift of one of the "cream coloured horses" from the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, to be used for light duties on the course.
That same year the club for the first time decided to join the Ladies' Golf Union, on account of the growing number of lady members. A year or two later further recognition was granted to the ladies' section, when both the current and retiring lady captains became
ex officio members of the club committee.
Although records of lady members of the time are sketchy, there must have been quite a competitive atmosphere, as several cups were presented for ladies competitions during the 1920's, and matches were played against Mundesley, Sheringham and Royal Norwich.
The Artisans' Club was formed in 1921, limited to 50 members with various restrictions on time of play. The artisans supported and assisted the club whenever possible during later difficult times and the section was finally wound up in 1979, with members being absorbed into the main club.
COURSE REVISION
A large amount of work was carried out on the course during those years and compliments were passed at the 1924 AGM on its improved condition. Sad to say, at the following year's meeting the course was described as disgraceful by a well known member of long standing. The main complaint concerned the amount of long grass, due to taking a hay crop from the rough. The meeting resolved that this practice should be discontinued and the grass kept short.
Following this meeting it was decided to once again call in a golf architect to advise on improvements, and invited the now legendary James Braid, designer of two magnificent courses at Gleneagles. Braid's scheme consisted mainly of adding bunkers or re-positioning them, moving tees to lengthen some holes and creating two new greens. The work was carried out over the next two or three winters. In spite of the extensions, careful measurement showed the length to be 6300 yards, which appeared to be a matter of regret for the committee. This gave a scratch score of 74: under today's rules it would be only 70.
The increased amount of work on the course led in 1927 to the purchase of a motor-tractor, to replace the horses, a great innovation.
Sadly the work seemed to have been too much for it, as it was "done for" and had to be replaced within a few years. At about the same time it became necessary to provide for the "parking" of motors, (complete with inverted commas) on the auxiliary course.
With all this expenditure, it was fortunate the club's finances were now, in the late twenties, much healthier; even in 1930 the manager was congratulated on a most satisfactory balance sheet. But alas, this happy state of affairs was destined not to last. The great world depression took its toll and in 1931 the manager reported a grave situation. Receipts were down and the club appeared likely to end the year with an adverse balance of some £500. The usual economies were agreed: salary reductions all round, short time working for the green staff and so forth. Various members made donations and the long suffering landlord again agreed to a reduction in rent. An attempt was made to attract 50 new members by offering to admit them without entrance fee. Quite a few did, in fact join. The next year some help was forthcoming from Cromer townspeople, as some leading residents organised two dances at the Links Hotel to raise funds, realising the club was of considerable value to the town.
In September 1932 a special general meeting was called to discuss the club's position, particularly in view of the impending expiry of the lease. At the meeting it was announced that the captain, M. L. van Moppes (he being absent through illness), had promised to pay £200 of the next year's rent and would also guarantee a similar amount the following year. He would accept repayment, when possible, by quarterly instalments of £50. In response to an appeal, many members present promised sums large and small. Altogether the treasurer must have been greatly relieved by the outcome of the meeting.
DEATH OF KING GEORGE
King George V died in January 1936. The following summer it appears an approach was made to Edward V111, for a letter was received from the Keeper of the Privy Purse regretting His majesty was unable to extend his patronage to Royal Cromer Golf Club.
The next year, following King Edward's abdication and the succession of King George V1, a further approach was made. This time in addition to the formal reply from the Office of the Privy Purse, again in the negative, a letter came from the Home Secretary, Sir Samuel Hoare, whose father had been a prominent member of the club in earlier days. This explained that, although the King did not feel able to grant his patronage, the club would still be able to use its "Royal" title, which, once granted, continued automatically.
JUBILEE
The fiftieth anniversary of the club occurred at the beginning of 1938. It seems a little surprising therefore that it was not until September 1937 that a sub committee was set up to consider the form celebrations should take. The principal suggestions were an open meeting and a dinner to be held in September 1938, and, a ladies competition in June.
In the event a two day meeting was held on 2nd and 3rd of September. On the first day, a match was played between teams led by Lord Suffield and R.H. Oppenheimer respectively. The teams included Cyril Tolley, twice British Amateur Champion; E.P. Storey, runner-up in 1924; P.B. "Laddie " Lucas, who played for England many times and had made his first Walker Cup appearance in 1936; Henry C. Longhurst, golf writer and later the doyen of TV golf commentators; J.J.F. Pennick, the well known golf architect; W.D. Robinson, Norfolk County Champion; G.A. Hill; R.W. Hartley and T.A. Bourne.
On the second day there was an open amateur 36 hole competition for the President's Cup, awarded for the best scratch score.
The Jubilee Dinner was held on the 9th September at the Royal Links Hotel. (Since destroyed by fire). The large company had its money's worth, at least as far as speeches were concerned. The speakers included the Captain, Sir Gordon Craig; E.M. Hansell and Dr. Fenner, both founder members of the club; the Captain of Great Yarmouth and Caister Golf Club, the only older club in Norfolk, and Lord Suffield, now the third of his line to be club President.
The following year, 1939, the ladies section asked to be allowed to hold their own annual meeting to elect the ladies' captain, in order that she could take office in time for the 1st January each year. This was duly approved by the Annual Generalmeeting.
THE SECOND WORLD WAR
September 1939 saw Europe, and later the world, once again plunged into war. This was bound, of course, as in the Great War, to cause grave difficulties for the club.
The "season" had been cut short and a deficiency in green fees was expected to cause a considerable loss on the year's activities. Economies were decided upon.
The secretary would forego his salary and the steward's reduced, as would be the numbers of ground staff. Lord Suffield yet again offered to reduce his rent. The economies were set out in a circular sent to members in December, with a sentiment that all present members would continue to pay their subscriptions. The annual general meeting of 1940, with only 16 members present, resolved that the present captain and committee should remain in office for the duration. Members of the Artisans Club offered to help with work on the course during the evenings. History does not record whether this generous offer was taken up, but in 1941 congratulations were expressed to the much depleted ground staff on the good condition of the course.
The club continued to live from hand to mouth during the remainder of the war. In 1942 a further circular was sent to members asking for donations to keep the club going and Lord Suffield reduced the rent yet again, almost to the proverbial "peppercorn." This, with the response of the members, enabled the club to survive through to the end of the war.
The course, or rather what was left of it after the War Agricultural Committee had requisitioned 40 acres at the Overstrand end, was still playable and advertisements were placed in the hope of attracting visitors. The four lost holes, numbers 4 to 7 of the old course (now 5,6,10 and 11), were not returned to the club until 1949.
THE POST WAR YEARS
Shortly after the end of the war in 1945 the club suffered the loss of its fourth president, the eighth Lord Suffield, who had succeeded his brother, the seventh baron, just two years earlier. The title, though not the estate, passed to a relative with no connection to the Cromer area.
As a consequence it was decided to invite Lord Templewood, whose home was at Northrepps nearby, to become president. As Sir Samuel Hoare, Lord Templewood had been Foreign Secretary in Chamberlain's pre war government. The Hoare family had been prominent in the district for many years and Lord Templewood's father had been an early and active member of the club.
For a variety of reasons Lord Templewood felt unable to accept the position and at the 1946 Annual General Meeting M . L. van Moppes, who had done so much to help the club, was elected. The club's policy ever since has been to select its president from those of its members who have been of great service to the club.
Also in 1945 the secretary, John Barrow, died. He had served the club well over a number of years and throughout the war for no reward. Characteristically he bequeathed his clubs to the Artisan's Section.
In 1947 the club was approached by the Soldiers' Sailors' and Airman's families' Association, with a view to staging a professional exhibition match in aid of Association funds. The match was duly held on Sunday, 10th August, the players being Norman von Nida of Australia, Dai Rees, Bill Shankland and Royal Cromer's own Ernie Plummer. Von Nida easily won the morning medal with a score of 66, four ahead of Rees who returned 70, followed by Plummer with 71.
Bogey for the course at that time was 74 (this was in pre-par days).
During those post-war years repeated efforts were made to recover the land still under cultivation, but owing to the country's balance-of-payment difficulties food production was considered all important.
At last, in 1949, the land was released. There was then the thorny problem of re-instatement, or rather, how to pay for it. In the event, the Ministry of Agriculture paid a substantial sum, though not sufficient to cover the whole cost.
It was again necessary to invite contributions from members.
The club was still in financial difficulties and by 1957, as so often in the past, economies were called for.
The steward had departed under a cloud, an unaccountable volatility having been discovered in both the bar takings and stocks of gin,(although in the latter case the deficiency had been made good with water).
It was decided not to appoint a new steward until the following summer, and the unfortunate professional, besides helping with work on the course was expected to put in time behind the bar.
The work of re-instatement of the course, with the aid of volunteers from the members and some help from local farmers, took some time.
Not until 1954 was it possible to celebrate the re-opening of the course with an exhibition match in August.
The match was sponsored by the Forces Help Society; the players were Max Faulkner, Harry Weetman, Alf Padgham and local Ernie Plummer, who returned the magnificent score of 64.
CONSOLIDATION
The fifties and early sixties were, generally speaking, years of quiet consolidation, although for some years the state of finances continued to be a cause for anxiety. Indeed, until comparatively recent years caution and economy were the watchwords.
A captain of the late fifties, Alex Scott, put the position nicely when as reported by the lady secretary of the time, he likened Royal Cromer to "an auld sheep wallowin' oout therr' in the Nor' Sea", though he felt with the aid of the crew she would get back to port.
Recovery, when it eventually came, was due in large part to the general increase in the popularity of sport, golf in particular.
The Queen's Coronation in 1953 was marked by the erection of a flagpole in front of the clubhouse; a gift from D.F. Burton, who had taken over as president from M.L. van Moppes. Miss Aveston, daughter of the club's first professional, presented a silver cup which had been won by her father as the Captain's Prize in 1890.
The matter of trophies caused the committee concern as, when the annual prize giving drew near, some of the holders could not be traced. One, a doctor, had gone to sea! Happily all were returned in time for the presentation.
Progress with a capital P arrived when, in 1955, electricity was laid on in the clubhouse. In these days of ubiquitous electric power, it is difficult to realise that at such a comparatively late date, the clubhouse was still lit by gas, a form of lighting many younger members may never have seen, except as portable camping equipment.
Another innovation came two years later, when the bar was invaded by bandits, the one -armed variety. These "fruit machines" soon proved their worth, making a not inconsiderable contribution to finances.
In 1956 a lady was appointed for the first time as secretary. This lady, Mrs Leake, appeared to have a keen sense of humour judging from the committee minutes, which make very entertaining reading for the next few years.
She was apparently much taken with Alex Scott's accent and dry humour. One quotation has already been given, but others appear in the minutes. Another time, "ad libbing" during a vote count at an AGM, Scott complimented the stewardess by saying that, if visitors acquired a healthy appetite in the Norfolk air, they would find a good meal waiting for them. "A ha' not sample' the stewardess' coo'in masel,' but a see some members ha' ea'en it; a'rready they've poot on weight".
On another occasion the captain, still Scott,"reported his dire wrath at the perverseness of Wright (head greenkeeper).
So vexed and enraged had he become that for some few hours he had forgotten he was an Elder of the Church".
Mrs Leake's successors had at least one reason to be grateful to her. Having endured spartan conditions for a couple of winters, she could standit no longer and demanded "either a mink coat or a gas fire in the secretary's office before next winter". She got the gas fire!
With the recovery of the club's finances in 1962, improvements were set in motion including a new wooden floor in the bar, unfortunately coinciding with the fashion for stiletto heels.
Growing numbers of holidaymakers walking along the cliff tops necessitated the appointment of a "patrolman" on Sundays and competition days to ensure the safety of walkers and convenience of golfers.
The 1960s' and 70s' became the turning point for Royal Cromer as participation in sport, and golf in particular, increased. Membership increased until waiting lists had to be introduced.
New equipment for the greenstaff became affordable and several new course layouts were tried with varying success.
THE GREAT LANDSLIP
On 17th May 1962 a great cliff fall occurred, carrying away a large part of the then 17th fairway. The landfall had been preceded by a smaller one the previous month and there was yet another later in the year. The committee was forced to consider what could be done if the hole had to be abandoned.
No additional land was at that time available and for the time being players learned to cope with the hazard of a narrowed fairway, with a yawning chasm awaiting the sliced ball.
In 1968 nearly 2000 trees were planted between what are now the 4th and 12th, and 5th and 11th holes. The trees were Corsican pine, recommended as being the most suitable; but the cold, salt laden winds took their toll, and although a few still remain between the 5th and 11th, they have not made the growth that might have been expected in over 35 years. They do, however, relieve the bareness of that part of the course.
In 1967 an exhibition match was held in aid of the Forces help Society. The players were Dai Rees, Dave Thomas. Bernard Hunt and Malcolm Gregson. Although playing a fourball better-ball, cards were marked and Bernard Hunt set a new course record with a 65.
SOCIAL GOLF
Cliff Vincent started social Golf in 1964.
This originated when he and his wife, who was a novice, had been playing one Sunday afternoon and were in the clubhouse having tea and scones when another couple joined them.
They then arranged to play the next Sunday and so it was Social Golf began.
Others quickly joined them, some were novices and some had handicaps so they tried to pair a handicap golfer with a novice.
At that time it cost five shillings (25p) to play and two shillings and sixpence (12.5p) for tea and scones. Later matches were arranged with an Ipswich Golf Club on a home and away basis.
In December 2003 76 people played in the Turkey Trot @£3.50 entry fee, 85 had a Christmas lunch @£7..
Some money from each event is retained, mainly from the raffle, for this very popular pre Christmas scramble and because of this we do stipulate that each competitor has to play in at least 3 Social Golf events during the year. Christmas lunch is usually followed by Carols played by the Aylsham & District Silver Band or this year (2003) by T.Keeler on keyboard.
Social Golf 2004, forty years on, has gone from strength to strength, and numbers are still increasing.
It is now recognised and welcomed by the Secretary/Manager/Committee and monthly competitions can be found in the club diary. New members are made welcome and have enjoyed meeting up and playing with existing members.
ICICLE TROPHY
In the late 1960's a Mr. Gray of Mundesley Golf Club, challenged Royal Cromer to a match to be played around the Christmas period, the winning team to hold the prestigious plastic Icicle Trophy.
The matches were to be played on a Sunday morning, alternate years home and away and arranged by the visiting team getting in touch a week before the match, stating their numbers and always including the captain and professional.
The competition at that time was a four ball better ball, the idea being to win individual matches quickly in order to retreat to the warmth of the clubhouse for ale and sandwiches.
The current match format appears to have come into being during the eighties.
Completing the full eighteen holes, playing two matches per year and totalling all holes won to find the winner.
The competition now takes place on summer evenings, followed by a meal and good hospitality.
As ever, few details are recorded and it has been said, on many occasions of late when coming in soaked to the skin, that perhaps these matches should revert to winter, giving a better chance of dry weather.
THE SEVENTIES
The new decade ushered in a period of change and development. The perennial problem of water supply, so essential in this dry corner of England was overcome by the sinking of a deep bore, leading, later in the decade to the provision of a "pop-up" sprinkler system for the tees and green, with highly beneficial results.
Early in the seventies it was felt that, with nearly 600 playing members, the club had reached saturation point. It was decided to call a halt, form a waiting list and allow the membership to fall to 500. A new category of "five-day" membership was introduced, to take the pressure off the course at weekends.
In 1976, after 88 years of being the tenant of the Harbord Estates, the opportunity arose to purchase the freehold of the course.
Due largely to the generosity of the Hon. Doris Harbord, grand daughter of Lord Suffield, the Founder President, the area of some 116 acres was offered to the club for £35000. The 1976 AGM voted 93 to 1 to resolve to take advantage of these very good terms. The purchase was financed by a substantial grant from the Sports Council, a small levy on all members, a bank loan and voluntary loans from members. Within two years loans were repaid and the course belonged to its members.
(Which included the condition that applicants for membership could no longer be black balled.)
To commemorate the long association of the Harbord family with Royal Cromer, the Hon. Doris Harbord presented a pair of cups, now known as the Harbord Cups, played for annually by men and ladies respectively.
THE EIGHTIES
The present clubhouse, a combination of old and new, was opened in January 1981.
The sign incorporating the club's coat of arms affixed to the south front of the building was presented by Barnet Rugby Club Golf Society, which for many years has held an annual fixture with Royal Cromer.
Following the purchase of the course and rebuilding the clubhouse, Royal Cromer settled down to a period of comparative calm. The 1983 AGM approved the formation of the now large and flourishing Veterans' Section. The eighties saw the relaying of the relatively new 2nd and 3rd greens, and the 5th green was relocated back to its original position away from the neighbouring bungalows, which were continually under threat of damage from stray golf balls.
CENTENARY CELEBRATION
After much planning, in June 1988 Royal Cromer celebrated its centenary with a week of celebrations. Guests were received from Royal Clubs across the world and many friendships made. Guests included W.C. Campbell, Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and Mr. P.B. "Laddie" Lucas, a distinguished war time fighter pilot. In 1943, as Wing Commander Lucas he commanded the fighter wing at RAF Coltishall. His father, P.M. Lucas, one of the finest players in the Club's history, washonorary secretary at Royal Cromer from 1892 to 1902.
Celebrations included competitions, outings and parties.
The British and American Curtis Cup teams re-enacted a match, dressed in period costumes, to celebrate Royal Cromer's connection with the Curtis sisters, who after playing at Royal Cromer in 1905, offered to present a cup for future ladies' international matches.
A further highlight of the week was the presentation to the Club of a silver cup, of similar design to the Curtis Cup, by Enid Wilson who won the trophy playing in open competition in America. Enid Wilson was one of the best lady players of her time, a great character and women's golf correspondent to the Daily Telegraph and Golf Illustrated.
The week opened with a fly past of Jaguar fighters from RAF Coltishall and ended with a Centenary Banquet, attended by some 600 people, during which prizes for the various competitions were presented.
TO THE MILLENNIUM
Following the celebrations of it's hundred year history Royal Cromer settled down to a more straightforward routine. Within normal financial constraints, facilities continued to be improved. A workplace and storage area for the green keepers was built, followed by a new professionals shop alongside the first tee. Negotiations continued over the possible purchase of additional land alongside the fourth fairway.
The bar and clubhouse were refurbished, ladies changing rooms greatly improved and plans were afoot to update the gentlemen s changing rooms.
First priority has always been given the course itself and continual additions and updates to machinery, together with the expertise of the greenkeepers, help to maintain Royal Cromer as a premier Norfolk club.
In 1999 the Blue course was established for junior players.
Royal Cromer celebrated the Millennium with a members week of various golf competitions, with prizes totaling £4000, presented at the end of the week at a Grand Millennium Ball, held in a marquee on the practice ground.
LIST OF PRESIDENTS OF ROYAL CROMER GOLF CLUB
1888 - 1945 - The Lord Suffield
1945 - 1949 - M. L. Van Moppes
1950 - 1955 - D. F. Burton
1955 - 1956 - J. H. Rounce
1956 - 1957 - T. L. Randall
1957 - 1958 - G. S. Rounce
1958 - 1959 - J. E. Webster
1959 - 1960 - H. R. Randall
1960 - 1961 - L. J. Crouch
1961 - 1962 - R. G. M. Coombes
1962 - 1967 - J. Rounce
1967 - 1973 - A. R. Churchyard
1973 - 1974 - Maj. Gen. Sir J. H. Marriott
1974 - 1975 - G. Eyre-Higgins
1975 - 1986 - G. R. Spurrell
1987 - 1991 - J. H. Neill
1991 - 1999 - D. C. Seago
2000 - M. J. N. Stott
LIST OF LADY PRESIDENTS OF ROYAL CROMER GOLF CLUB
1986 - 1989 - Mrs. S. Spurrell 1989 - 1992 - Mrs. M. Woodcock
1992 - 1995 - Mrs. J. Paske
1995 - 2000 - Mrs. M. Macmillan
2000 - 2002 - Mrs.A. M. Davies
2002 - 2004 - Mrs. J. Mackinnon
2004 - Mrs. E. Holmes
LIST OF CAPTAINS OF ROYAL CROMER GOLF CLUB
1888 - Revd. H. C. Rogers
1889 - R. W. Ketton
1890 - R. W. Ketton
1891 - B. Bond-Cabbell
1892 - B. Bond-Cabbell
1893 - P. M. Lucas
1894 - R. N. Fenner
1895 - H. Wilson
1896 - Samuel Hoare M.P.
1897 - Hon. C. W. Mills
1898 - Prof. H. F. Pelham
1899 - E. M. Hansell
1900 - Sydney Peel
1901 - Maj. Forbes Eden
1902 - Maj. C.W Archdale
1903 - John W. Scott
1904 - W.E.G. Wyrley-Birch
1905 - Lt. Col. H. B. Winter
1906 - W. J. Kerr
1907 - H. C. Dent
1908 - Capt. N. McFarlane
1909 - F. T. Simpson
1910 - J. M. Richardson
1911 - H. R. Burroughs
1912 - H. G. Muskett
1913 - H. G. Muskett
1914 to
1919 Rev. H. H. Pellham
1920 - D. Davison O.B.E.
1921 - Sir Frederick MacMillian
1922 - Capt. G. L. Palmes D.S.O.
1923 - J.P.O. Mead
1924 - G. Head
1925 - Major S.W. Trafford
1926 - E. H. Pelham O.B.
1927 - Brig. Gen. W. F. Clemson C.M.G. ,D.S.O .
1928 - Sir Geo. R. L. Hare Bart.
1929 - Lt. Col. Sir Fredk. Hall Bart., M.P.
1930 - J. Barrow
1931 - W. A. Clowes
1932 - M. L. Van Moppes
1933 - M. L. Van Moppes
1934 - W. J. Pearson D.S.O., M.C.
1935 - W. J. Pearson D.S.O., M.C.
1936 - D. F. Burton
1937 - E. H. Youngman
1938 - Sir Gordon Graig
1939 -
1944 The Lord Suffield
1945 - L. e. Van Moppes
1946 - D. F. Burton
1947 - H. J. Foot
1948 - J. H. Rounce
1949 - A. H. F. Baldwin
1950 - T. L. Randall
1951 - Lt. Col. P.G. Upcher D.S.O.
1952 - D. F. Burton
1953 - G. S. Rounce
1954 - J. E. Webster
1955 - H. R. Randall
1956 to
1957 A. C. Scott
1959 - S. J. Crouch
1963 - R. J. Balls
1964 - G. R. Spurrell
1965 - A. Watker
1966 - C. J. Pike
1967 - G. Eyre-Higgins
1968 - C. D. Rash D.F.C
1969 - F. C. Bailey
1970 - R. H. James
1971 - G. R. Spurrell
1972 - H. W. Peak
1973 - R. H. James
1975 - P. E. Storey
1976 - J. S. Roye
1977 - H. Teanby
1978 - E. C. Bachelor
1979 - P. H. Reeves
1980 - I. B. M. Stanford
1981 - W. W. Parrott
1982 - M. T. Horner
1983 - R. W. Bushell
1984 - W. E. Ratcliffe
1985 - A. C. Lawrie
1986 - P. D. Williamson
1987 - I. B. M. Stanford
1988 - B. D. Woodcock
1989 - R. E. Eaton
1991 - M. J. N. Stott
1992 - J. M. Yarham
1993 - P. G. Jarvis
1994 - T. R. Bensley
1995 - D. Gotts
1996 - R. L. Holmes
1997 - D. J. Ley
1998 - J. Milligan
1999 - P. E. Remnant
2000- K. M. Taylor
2001 - P. Nicholls
2002 - R. Mould
2003 - E. Lettington
2004 - F. Margrove
2005 - A. Barraclough
2006 - A.T. Hill
LIST OF LADY CAPTAINS OF ROYAL CROMER GOLF CLUB
1920 - Mrs.Besley
1921 - Mrs. Besley
1922 - Lady Betty Trafford
1923 - Lady Betty Trafford
1924 - Mrs. A. Burton
1925 - Mrs. H. Sparke
1926 - Mrs. H. Palmes
1927 - Mrs. R. G. Cross
1928 - Mrs. P. Williamson
1929 - Lady Betty Trafford
1930 - Lady Wigan
1931 - Miss. Burton
1932 - Miss. Lyttleton
1933 - Miss. Gray
1934 - Miss. D.Lyttleton
1935 - Mrs. Van Moppes
1936 - Mrs. Hadley
1937 - Mrs. Rump
1938 to
1946 - Miss. B. Van Moppes
1947 - Mrs. Hadley
1948 - Mrs. Rump
1949 - Mrs. Rump
1950 - Miss. P. Rounce
1951 - Miss. N.Lyttleton
1952 - Mrs. W. F. Chapman
1953 - Mrs. W. F. Chapman
1954 - Mrs. J. H. C. Thompson
1955 - Mrs. J. H. C. Thompson
1956 - Mrs. J. E. Webster
1957 - Mrs. G. R. Spurrell
1958 - Mrs. R. G. M. Coombes
1959 - Mrs. M. L. Sumpter
1960 - Miss. D. A. Baker
1961 - Mrs. G. R. Spurrell
1962 - Mrs. G. R. Spurrell
1963 - Miss. D. A. Baker
1964 - Mrs. G. Eyre-Higgins
1965 - Mrs. G. Eyre-Higgins
1966 - Mrs. G. R. Spurrell
1967 - Mrs. R. T. W. Fitt
1968 - Miss. J. D. Gooch
1969 - Mrs. M. D. New
1970 - Mrs. E. C. L. Williams
1971 - Mrs. C. D. Rash
1972 - Mrs. I. Glyn Jones
1973 Mrs. B. M. Brotherton
1974 - Mrs. I. B. Parrott
1975 - Mrs. I. P. Coman
1976 - Mrs. M. L. Woodcock
1977 - Miss. G. M. Gayner
1978 - Mrs. M. Macmillan
1979 - Mrs. J. Paske
1980 - Miss. E. Sheringham
1981 - Mrs. J. Mackinnon
1982 - Mrs. G. Reeves
1983 - Mrs. H. Fielding
1984 - Mrs. A. M. Davies
1985 - Mrs. D. E. Bushell
1986 - Mrs. P. M. Williamson
1987 - Mrs. M. Stott
1988 - Mrs. I. P. Larkins
1989 - Mrs. J. M. Brown
1990 - Mrs. B. Rossi
1991 - Mrs. E. Holmes
1992 - Mrs. E. Crossfield
1993 - Mrs. H. Lawrie
1994 - Mrs. M. Neill
1995 - Mrs. P. G. Cooke
1996 - Mrs. D. Stewart
1997 - Mrs. E. Sands
1998 - Mrs. P. Harrison
1999 - Mrs. E. J. Bartman
2000 - Mrs. M. Nicholls
2001 - Mrs. L. Fields
2002 - Mrs. B. Riches
2003 - Mrs. J. Kemp
2004 - Mrs. H. Campbell-Smith
2005 - Mrs. V. Tallowin
2006 - Mrs. S. Driver
COUNTY CHAMPIONS
GENTLEMEN
1962 - A.M Rust (A)
1964 - A.M.Rust (A)
1984 - Tim Hurrell (A)
1985 - Tim Hurrell (P)
1997 - Grant Price (A)
LADIES
1974 - Mary Davies (A)
1975 - Mary Davies (A)
1978 - Mary Davies (A)
1981 - Mary Davies (A)
1983 - Mary Davies (A)
1987 - Mary Davies (A)
1989 - Tracey Williamson (A)
1991 - Tracey Williamson (A)
1992 - Tracey Williamson (A)
1993 - Tracey Williamson (A)
1997 - Tracey Williamson (A)
1998 - Tracey Williamson (A)
COURSE RECORDS
9th August 1953
G. B. Wolstenholme (A)
67 Net - 68 Gross
27th July 1992
Nick Price (P)
66(P)
29th August 1996
Mrs. Tracy Williamson (A)
68 Net - 69 Gross
30th July 2002
Ian Ellis
66 (P)
8th June 2003
Ryan Pudney (A)
64 Net - 66 Gross
27th July 2003
Steven Peet (A)
64 Net - 66 Gross
COUNTY CAPTAINS
1992, 1993 and 1994 Mark Williamson
GREEN KEEPERS
The Clements family - Since the first days of the club there has been a Clements on the green-keeping staff, and for most of that time the head greenkeeper has born that name.
John Clements was the first and served the club for over 30 years. His son Jimmy followed him on to the staff, although he chose never to become head greenkeeper.
After John that post was held successively by his son-in-law Jimmy Baker, then Harry Thomson, then Frank Wright, then Jack Clements, Jimmy's brother.
The longest record of service to Royal Cromer Golf Club in any capacity is held by Jimmy Clements's son George. George was more often than not referred to by his father's first name of Jimmy. He joined the greenstaff as a boy of 12 in 1924 and retired in 1978, having been head greenkeeper for most of his career. He worked part time for a number of years.
The current head greenkeeper is Roger Plummer, grandson of the club's longest serving professional, Ernie Plummer. Roger left school at 16 becoming an assistant to his grandfather in the pro' shop.
Sadly, the club could not support an assistant at that time but happily for Royal Cromer, he joined the green-keeping staff until 1975, when he joined Mundesley Golf Club. He returned to Royal Cromer in 1987 as Head Green-keeper where his talents were needed to bring the course up to scratch for the Centenary, one year later.
His son Stuart joined his enthusiastic green staff in 1995 and hopefully the "Plummer connection" will continue for many years to come.
SECRETARIES AND MANAGERS
Nowadays golf club secretaries have a very important role within the club and are becoming increasing termed as managers.
In the early days of the club secretaries appeared to simply look after the paperwork on behalf of the committee.
The 1st official secretary appointed in 1892 with a salary of £25 p.a. was Alfred Burton. He was succeeded some 10 years later by W.J. Kerr. The post of Honorary Secretary continued, however, in the person of P.M. Lucas who served from 1892 until 1902. Major Beale became paid secretary with full executive powers over course, staff and clubhouse in 1904 whilst W J Kerr continued in an honorary capacity attending to some correspondence and committee minutes.
The system of both paid and honorary secretaries continued for many years with Major Beale being succeeded by Colonel Charles Marriott as paid secretary. Colonel Marriott steered the club through the difficult days of the First World War and in later years his son, General Sir John Marriott present the club with a large picture window in memory of his father. Following the war G S Clarke was appointed secretary/manager, whose duties included that of steward. It was not until 1932 that the more usual system of paid secretary and separate steward and stewardess was reintroduced when J. Barrow was installed as secretary. Mr. Barrow appeared to have great command of the English language and a copy of his now classic reprimand (below) to a member whose language was somewhat colourful, is displayed in the bar.
It was not until 1932 that the more usual system of paid secretary and separate steward and stewardess was reintroduced when J. Barrow was installed as secretary.
Mr. Barrow appeared to have great command of the English language and a copy of his now classic reprimand to a member whose language was somewhat colourful, is displayed in the bar.
In 1956 Mrs. Leake was appointed on a part time basis as the 1st lady secretary of the club. Her keen sense of humour is indicated not only by her "pithy remarks" in committee minutes, but also the request for "either a mink coat or a gas fire" to help survive the arctic conditions of her office.
The gas fire won!
In 1956 Mrs. Leake was appointed on a part time basis as the 1st lady secretary of the club. Her keen sense of humour is indicated not only by her "pithy remarks" in committee minutes, but also the request for "either a mink coat or a gas fire" to help survive the arctic conditions of her office. The gas fire won!
The position of secretary was then held on a part time basis until 1968 with the appointment of Graham Eyre-Higgins as the first full time secretary for many years. He was followed in 1974 when Tom King held the office through to 1987.
Tom was a member for 12 years prior to his appointment. During his wartime service as a navigator on
Lancaster
bombers, he was awarded the DFC whilst stationed with No. 635 (Pathfinder) Squadron.
Following his retirement the position was upgraded to that of Secretary/Manager, with the extra duties incurred with increased membership, staff, finance and ever growing legislation. From 1987 the post was held, with the exception of B.Howson, for relatively short periods by:-
1987 - 1988 E. Robertson
1989 - 1998 B. Howson
1999 - 2000 T. Duke
2000 - 2002 R. Fields
2002 - 2005 Mrs. D. Hopkins
2005 & 2006 Mr J Hoskins
2006 - Mr G. Richardson
PROFESSIONALS
W. Aveston was appointed the first professional of Royal Cromer, on a wage of 10/= (50p) per week in 1892 until 1906. His tuition charges being 10d. for 9 holes and 15d. for 18 holes.
He was followed by W. J. Rush who, in 1922 took an assistant called Ernie Plummer who later became the professional and served the club until retirement at the age of 70 in 1968. His grandson, Roger Plummer is now our Head Greenkeeper.
Ernie's shop was a far cry from the modern Pro's shop of today. A dark, dingy glorified shed smelling of dust, leather and wood glue. Most clubs displayed were reconditioned and second hand.
His lessons were more concerned with advice such as "wood in rough - wood in head" than the finer points of swing technique. He was certainly one of Royal Cromer's great characters.
Ernie was followed for a relatively short period by Angus Mackenzie, a young Scot who emigrated to Tasmania in 1974.
In June 1974 Robin Page took up the mantle. Born and bred in Kings Lynn he was the first ever winner of the Norfolk Boys' Championship at the age of 13 and won the title again 4 years later. Winner of the Norfolk Open Championship in 1982 he was twice Norfolk Alliance Champion in 1980 and 1986. Robin retired in 2000.
The current incumbent is Lee Patterson, past winner of the Suffolk Open and P.G.A. Championships, Norfolk Alliance Championship in 2000 and Norfolk Matchplay Champion in 2002. He was captain of the Norfolk P.G.A. in 2004
ARTISANS
In 1921, the committee considered the formation of an Artisan's club. Because this would need the assent of a general meeting, it was agreed to form such a club on a temporary basis, pending approval by the Annual General Meeting of 1922. This was duly forthcoming, but it was considered advisable to continue the temporary limit on membership of 50.
The section was eventually wound up in 1979. Three ex-artisan's later became Captains of RCGC.
ROYAL AIR FORCE COLTISHALL
Royal Cromer first became associated with Royal Air ForceColtishall during the second world war.
Distinguished fighter ace, Wing CommanderLaddie Lucas, son of one of the Club's most prominent members, P.M. Lucas, (Honorary Secretary 1892 - 1902 and Club Captain 1893), was posted to command Coltishall's Spitfire wing in 1943. He later wrote, "Often in those times I would fly my aeroplane low over the course just to be satisfied that the holes I remembered from the halcyon days were still there.....and then there was that blessed sight of the Cromer cliffs, with the course nestling above them, as we returned - sometimes anxiously on a protesting Rolls-Royce Merlin engine - across 120 miles of swirling North Sea".
The special relationship with the Club was ensured with membership made available to golfers from RAF Coltishall, the numbers varying over the years. Many of those players represented the Club in matches and County competitions. A match was played annually with the Club.
Coltishall has always been generous in helping the Club, loaning equipment, arranging a "Centenary Fly Past" and presenting a new flag to the Club, which has been flown at Royal Centenary celebrations around the world.
In 1993 the Club and R.A.F. Coltishall, represented in equal numbers, took part in a match versus U.S.A.F.Lakenheath. This home and away feature was known as the "Mini Ryder Cup", the home team hosting the meal, often at the Officers Club, U.S.A.F. Mildenhall. One match in progress at Cromer was halted midway, with all U.S.A.F. personnel ordered to return to base immediately. The date was the infamous 9/11.
Matches continue to take place.
As R.A.F Coltishall comes close to closure, (due in 2007) a friendly and mutually beneficial relation unfortunately will come to an end. Royal Cromer wishes all personnel, past and present, "Happy Landings".
VETERANS SECTION
A changing pattern of working practices throughout the country meant more leisure time being available, especially to those approaching an age when early retirement became widespread.
Membership of Royal Cromer, in common with most golf clubs throughout the land, attracted many of those facing premature retirement, yet young enough to remain active and who wished to compete with their contemporaries at other clubs.
As a result 1983 saw the formation of a Veterans Section. Membership cost £1 and was available to those aged 55 or more. The section grew from strength to strength, with well over 200 members. It continues as a very active organisation, including amongst its many activities a monthly stableford competition and numerous inter club matches. It continues to be a strong and active part of Royal Cromer Golf Club.
BARNET RUGBY CLUB
Since 1948 Royal Cromer has been pleased to welcome the above society who have been of great support to the Club over many years.
A golf fixture, the format of which is an annual Saturday match, in October, for the 'Cromer Bell' , followed by dinner, in the early days at Cliff House Hotel. Barnet played their own competition on the Sunday morning, with heavy heads from the night before, for the 'Bolton Pot' . The 40
th visit in 1987 was marked by a presentation to Royal Cromer with a bench for the 13
th tee. In 1988 members of Barnet were guests and sponsors at the centenary. The 50
th visit was marked by a presentation to the club of a weather station, situated in the lounge bar.
TRIVIA
CROMER LIGHTHOUSE
A 1719 coal fired lantern at Cromer was replaced by a flashing light, known locally as "will-o-the-wisp".
Two young women, the first keepers, received £1 weekly wage for the both of them. The first Cromer Lighthouse has long since disappeared over the cliffs.
The present 18m high octagonal tower was built in 1833, improved with a gas light in 1905, converted to electric in 1958 and automated in 1990. The light was updated by new state of the art electronics in 2002.
